Road maintenance and reconstruction is front and centre of Moorabool council’s draft 2024-25 budget.
Council adopted the proposed budget during its meeting on May 1, outlining a $46.48 million capital works program for next financial year.
According to the draft budget, council is proposing to spend $22.007 million on new capital works in 2024-25.
Projects highlights by the council include a reseal program worth $2.165 million; replacement of the Woolpack Road, Bacchus Marsh bridge ($1.5 million); re-sealing and re-sheeting Ballan-Meredith Road, Ballan ($1.099 million); reconstruction of Yendon No.2 Road, Yendon ($2.45 million); re-sheeting of the gravel Doyles Road, Elaine ($688,000); shoulder renewal along Ballan-Meredith Road, Fiskville ($580,000); and $750,000 for works on Clarendon-Lal Lal Road, Lal Lal.
Council is also proposing to spend $730,000 on the Bacchus Marsh Bowls Club pavilion and bowling green, and $975,000 on the Ballan library.
Council is planning to lift rates by an average of 2.75 per cent in 2024-24, in line with the state government’s rates cap.
Council said it did not apply for a rate cap variation because it is “very aware of the cost pressures on individuals and businesses”.
Ratepayers will notice a $2 decrease in their waste management service charge in 2024-25, dropping from $120 to $118, while the overall waste collection charges will also fall by $2 from $258 to $256.
Moorabool’s kerbside green waste service charges will decrease from $101 to $95 and the state landfill levy will drop from $69 to $65.
Cr David Edwards described the the draft budget as “fair” and “reasonable”
“It’s a good draft … it’s benign,” he said.
“It’s actually just implementing the things we have agreed to over the last four years.”
However, Cr Tom Sullivan was concerned that a municipal charge had not been included in the budget.
He said the charge was needed “to dampen the extremes” in council’s finances.
Moorabool residents can have their say on the draft budget until 5pm on Thursday, May 30.
Submission on the draft budget will be considered by council during a special meeting on Wednesday, June 12, with the final budget to be adopted on Wednesday, June 26.
Details: Moorabool.vic.gov.au
